Arizona housing group: Ducey forgot homelessness in State of the State

PHOENIX — The Arizona Housing Coalition said Gov. Doug Ducey’s State of the State speech Monday left out a few key topics.

The address covered water issues, legislative immunity, gun access and public safety.

“Unfortunately, what was not included was any mention about addressing the issues of affordable housing and homelessness in our state,” Joan Serviss, the coalition’s executive director, said.

She added that affordable housing would keep people off the streets and boost public safety.

Ducey will propose his budget on Friday. Serviss said she hopes part of the projected $1 billion surplus helps 10,000 homeless Arizonans.

“And then, we’ll also be working with our state legislative partners to make sure that any end budget includes some additional funding,” Serviss said.

She said she would like to see the restoration of State Housing Trust Fund for homeless services.

“That receives its proceeds from unclaimed property,” Serviss said. “During the Great Recession, that fund was diverted into the general fund.”

The governor’s office did not return calls for comment on his address.

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